Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyer

Commercial trucks are a key component of the nation’s supply chain but when large commercial trucks congest the roadways they present a significant risk to vulnerable motorists in standard-sized vehicles. A leading cause of commercial truck accidents in California and elsewhere is unsafe lane changes due to the large blind spots in large trucks pulling trailers. Truck drivers may be unable to see vehicles traveling close to their cab or trailer. Instead of relying solely on their mirrors, commercial truck drivers have a responsibility to remain vigilant and aware of the positions of other vehicles around them. When a truck driver makes an unsafe lane change, the results can be catastrophic for the occupants of a vehicle present in one of the truck’s blind spots. Victims in San Diego should consult a trusted San Diego truck accident lawyer from Haffner & Morgan, LLP.

Where are the Blind Spots on Semi-Tractor-Trailer Trucks?

Commercial trucks do not have rear-view mirrors on their windshields like standard vehicles because the tall trailer behind the cab blocks the view. Instead, truck drivers use large side mirrors. Some newer trucks include camera technology to help cover blind spots, but the majority of trucks on the road still don’t possess these visual aids.

When sharing the road with trucks, it’s important to know where the blind spots are located and avoid lingering in these “no-zones.” When a commercial freight truck pulls a trailer, other drivers should avoid the following blind spots:

• The lane on the left (driver’s) side of the truck from below the driver’s window to about ¾ of the length of the trailer
• Two lanes across on the right (passenger’s side) of the truck from the cab to about ¾ of the length of the trailer in the lane to the driver’s immediate right and extending past the trailer in the second lane to the right of the truck
• About seven yards directly in front of the truck’s cab
• About ten yards behind the truck

While it isn’t always possible to avoid these no-zones completely, if you find yourself driving in one of these blind spots, it’s safest to move away as soon as possible.

Accidents Caused by Commercial Truck Blind Spots

When a truck driver makes an unsafe lane change or merge, it can cause devastating accidents to vehicles in the driver’s blind spot. Common accidents caused by truck blind spots include the following:

• Sideswipes, which may cause loss of control in the smaller vehicle
• Roadway departures caused by a car swerving off the road to avoid a truck merging into their lane
• Rear-end collisions and override accidents caused by an accelerating truck driver who is unaware of a small vehicle directly in front of their cab
• Head-on collisions when a sideswipe from a truck causes a smaller vehicle to veer out of its lane

When a truck’s unsafe lane change or improper merging causes an accident, injuries to the occupants of smaller vehicles range from mild to severe.

Blind Spot Accident Injuries

Injuries in commercial truck blind spot accidents are often severe, catastrophic, or fatal. About 73% of truck accident deaths occur to the occupants of other vehicles not to the truck driver. Common truck accident injuries include the following:

• Fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Knee injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Thoracic injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Facial trauma
• Bruises, lacerations, and abrasions
• Wrongful death

When serious injuries occur due to a truck driver’s unsafe lane change or improper merging, the injury victims are entitled to compensation through a claim against the at-fault driver or trucking company.

Call the Truck Blind Spot Accident Attorneys at Haffner & Morgan

The legal team at Haffner & Morgan has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and lawsuits for clients injured in serious truck accidents. When a truck driver’s error results in serious harm, the injury victim shouldn’t be left responsible for the damages. Contact the San Diego personal injury lawyers at Haffner & Morgan today to set up a free consultation.